What is MGO in Manuka Honey? A Complete Guide
Manuka honey is world-renowned for its unique properties, but what truly sets it apart from ordinary honey is its MGO content. The higher the MGO, the higher the concentration of the beneficial compound and the stronger the honey's properties. MGO is a reliable benchmark for quality in Manuka honey.
What is MGO?
MGO stands for Methylglyoxal. It is a naturally occurring compound that develops in the nectar of the Manuka bush flowers in New Zealand. MGO is the key marker that defines the quality of the honey and its distinctive antibacterial properties, which make Manuka honey truly special. The MGO level is determined through laboratory tests. Here, the Manuka honey is analysed to measure the concentration and ensure that the numbers on the label match the content. Scientific tests have shown that this substance has antimicrobial properties, and the more MGO the honey contains, the greater its ability to combat microorganisms.
Manuka honey from New Zealand is also tested for special natural markers that document that the honey actually originates from the Manuka plant.
What do the MGO numbers mean in practice?
MGO is about how you want to use Manuka honey in your daily life. Here is a general guideline for the strengths:
At HVNR Health we have chosen Manuka honey above 500 MGO to offer a concentration and quality level that suits an active lifestyle with correspondingly high demands for purity, traceability and function.
500-700 MGO: A higher strength that is ideal for intensive daily use.
1000+ MGO: A rarely exclusive Manuka honey with high potency, extracted in very limited quantities
How do you choose the right MGO level?
The choice depends on your personal needs and lifestyle. Higher MGO means higher concentration and stronger properties. Many choose to have two different variants available: Everyday Boost MGO 540 for daily routine and Super Boost MGO 1000 for specific needs.
For daily well-being (Everyday Boost): If you want a simple and stable daily routine, 540 MGO is the perfect choice. It's easy to include in your breakfast, before training or as a regular part of your healthy lifestyle.
For intensive use (Super Boost): If you are looking for a more concentrated and potent solution with stronger properties, choose 1000 MGO. This variant is ideal for more specific periods when you need an extra powerful boost.
Manuka Everyday Boost Manuka honey MGO 540 for increased energy and recovery
Developed by HVNR Health in collaboration with Holger Rune x Manuka Doctor.
Why Manuka honey Everyday Boost MGO 540 is ideal for daily use. MGO 540 = strong enough to be elite and perfect for everyday routines.
Manuka honey for increased energy (without caffeine). A stable, clean, natural boost from the genuine sugars in Manuka honey. Great before and during training to boost performance.
Manuka honey for recovery. Often used after sport for recovery.
250 g/jar, 35-40 servings
What is the difference between Manuka honey and normal honey?
All honey is natural, but Manuka honey is something special. Genuine Manuka honey is produced in New Zealand and contains naturally high levels of MGO. It is called the elite of honey due to its many natural positive properties.
The Manuka bush only blooms for a limited period, which makes the harvest window very narrow and Manuka honey a rare exclusive product, especially with high MGO, as the concentration depends directly on the climate.
The higher the MGO, the stronger the effect and the rarer the honey.
MGO directly measures the content of methylglyoxal in the honey. UMF is a broader classification system that measures several parameters. Both systems are used to ensure authenticity, but MGO provides a simple and average understanding of the honey’s strength.
Manuka honey without documentation is not genuine Manuka honey. Always look for official MGO classification, New Zealand origin, batch testing, and clear traceability.
The quality and concentration of the nectar is directly dependent on the climate and natural conditions, making it difficult to guarantee high MGO levels every year.
At HVNR Health Manuka partner, each batch is independently tested to verify the MGO level. Our Manuka honey is produced in New Zealand in collaboration with Manuka Doctor, independently tested and fully traceable from hive to finished product.
Most people use 1-2 teaspoons of Manuka honey daily as part of their morning and evening routine. A 250-gram jar provides approximately 35-40 servings.